Martha Louise Swindle Dicus, 100, of Manchester, passed away just after midnight, on Feb. 9, 2025, at McArthur Manor, in Manchester.
Martha was born June 10, 1924, in Tiptonville, to Joe and Eula Lillian Campton Swindle.
Her early career included working as a telephone operator, in Nashville, and she ultimately retired from Sears, in Manchester. A lifetime member of the Church of Christ, Martha attended Red Hill Church of Christ.
For over half of her life, she was lovingly known to her family as “Gagie.” Gagie cherished her family above all. Holidays were special, but she claimed Thanksgiving as her own, making that last Thursday in November her favorite day of the year.
In addition to her work career, Martha was a dedicated homemaker as she always had a delicious meal prepared for those she loved. Her "can do” spirit was evident throughout her life, from learning to drive after the age of 40 to taking swimming lessons at 80. An avid sports fan, Gagie loved cheering on her beloved grandchildren, the Braves, Titans, and Cowboys. She also enjoyed traveling, crocheting, cooking, working at Mother’s Day Out, volunteering at the hospital, water aerobics, and exercising. A woman of many interests and talents, full of love and care - Gagie will be forever loved and missed by all that knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Jess Albert “Buster” Dicus Jr., who died Christmas Day 2022; daughter-in-law, Teresa Dicus; siblings, Lindsey “Doby” Swindle and wife Dottie, Lovie Conder and husband Kelty, Lamon and husband John Haines, Nell Swindle, Sam Swindle; and sister-in-law, Loraine “Sissy Girl” Davis.
Survivors include her daughter, Diane Dicus Reese, of Manchester;
son, Albert R. “Buddy” Dicus, of Sparta; grandchildren and their spouses, Lesli and John Gentry, of Franklin, Patrick and Colleen Reese, of Nashville, Ashley and Amber Dicus, of Sparta, Blake and Jackie Dicus, of Hendersonville, Summer and Patrick Wood, of Old Hickory; great-grandchildren, Hugh Gentry, Reese Gentry, Owen Reese, Knox Reese, Sam Dicus, Jack Dicus, Jake Dicus, Cole Dicus; brother-in-law, Terry Dicus, of Riverside, California; special neighbors, John and Shirley Brooks; and several close nieces and nephews.
Funeral was noon, Feb. 13, 2025, from the Chapel of Central Funeral Home, in Manchester, with burial in Highland Cemetery, in Sparta.
Ashley Dicus, Blake Dicus, Patrick Reese, Hugh Gentry, John Gentry, and Patrick Wood served as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Buddy’s Kids Christmas Party in care of Hunter Funeral Home, P.O. Box 90, Sparta, Tennessee 38583.
The family would like to express a special thank you to McArthur Manor for their love and care of our family.
Central Funeral Home, in Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.
